WHERE: The test facility of ATK Launch Systems, a unit of Alliant Techsystems Inc., in Promontory, Utah, north of Salt Lake City

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, at 12:30 p.m. MST (1:30 CST)

NASA will conduct a two-minute, static, or stationary, firing of a space shuttle reusable solid rocket motor at a Utah test facility. The primary objective is to evaluate possible performance changes as motors age. Space shuttle solid rocket motors are certified for flight for five years. FSM-15, at 7.7 years, will be the oldest reusable solid rocket motor ever fired. FVM-2, at 7.3 years, was fired in May 2008. It was at that time the oldest motor ever fired. This test will provide the Space Shuttle Program with important information about the validation of generic motor age-life certification. The test also will provide data for the Ares I rocket and NASA's future exploration goals to return humans to the moon and beyond in the coming decades.

News media attending the test must register in advance with ATK Launch Systems. A pass is required to view the test. Requests must be in place by Dec. 2. Interviews may be prearranged in advance with ATK and NASA representatives. If you are bringing live broadcast equipment, please schedule in advance to arrange for parking. For more information and to request a media pass, contact Trina Patterson, ATK Launch Systems, at 801-251-3517 or 801-699-0943.